Moderate alcohol consumption is one of the main characteristics of higher social status, better general health and lower cardiovascular risk, researchers say.

They have, however, emphasized that this study cannot be used for the purpose of popularizing the consumption of alcohol.

Experts have studied almost 150,000 French citizens and divided them into four groups: those who never drink, those who drink a little (less than 10 grams of alcohol per day), moderate consumers (10-30 grams a day) and those who drink excessively (more than 30 grams).

Men who drink moderately have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, a slower heart rate, low level of depression and body mass index.

Women who drink moderately showed similar results. They also had lower blood pressure and a smaller waist.

Both sexes had large quantities of so-called "good cholesterol" in their blood.